Beacon enabled distribution items

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods of tracking distribution items using hardware components on or in the distribution items. Shippers and recipients of distribution items can track or locate a distribution item, especially a high value item, if the distribution item is lost, misrouted, or delayed.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57. Thisapplication is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/862,003,filed Jan. 4, 2018, which, in turn, claims the benefit of priority toU.S. Application Nos. 62/442,345 filed Jan. 4, 2017 and 62/505,299 filedMay 12, 2017, the entire contents both of which are hereby incorporatedby reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to items having hardware thereon capableof being tracked and to systems for tracking these packages. Shippersand recipients of distribution items may want to be able to track orlocate a distribution item, especially a high value item. It is alsodesirable to be able to find or locate a particular item from aplurality of items, for example, if the distribution item is lost,misrouted, or delayed.

SUMMARY

In one aspect described herein, a distribution item comprises an outerpackage; a power supply attached to the outer package; and a beaconattached to the outer package and in electrical communication with thepower supply, wherein the beacon is configured to emit a unique signalrecognizable by an interrogation device.

In some embodiments the power supply and beacon are attached via one ormore leads.

In some embodiments the outer package comprises a pull tab connected tothe one or more leads.

In some embodiments the pull tab adheres to at least one of the one ormore leads, and when the pull tab is pulled, a portion of the at leastone of the one or more leads is removed with the pull tab.

In some embodiments the unique signal uniquely identifies thedistribution item.

In some embodiments, the beacon comprises an antenna and the uniquesignal is a radio frequency signal.

In some embodiments the beacon comprises an audible annunciator, andwherein the audible annunciator is configured to emit an audible signalin response to an interrogation signal.

In some embodiments, the beacon comprises a mechanical vibrationcomponent configured to vibrate in response to an interrogation signal.

In some embodiments the power supply and beacon are contained within alabel that is adhered to the outer package.

In some embodiments the power supply and the beacon are embedded withina portion of the outer package.

In some embodiments the beacon comprises a pressure sensitive layerconfigured to activate the beacon upon application of pressure to thebeacon.

In another aspect described herein, a method of locating a distributionitem comprises receiving a request in a user interface to locate anitem, the item having a beacon thereon; communicating the request to acentral server; activating a plurality of sensors in a distributionfacility; receiving a signal from the beacon on the item in at least oneof the plurality of sensors in the distribution facility; anddetermining the location of the item within the distribution facilitybased on the received signal from the beacon on the item.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises sending, via theplurality of sensors, an interrogation signal recognizable by thebeacon.

In some embodiments, the interrogation signal is configured to cause thebeacon to emit a signal.

In some embodiments the beacon emits a radio frequency signal inresponse to the interrogation signal.

In some embodiments the beacon emits an audible signal in response tothe interrogation signal.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining a uniqueidentifier for the beacon based on the request to locate the item.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises causing the beacon toemit a signal recognizable to a portable computing device incommunication with the central server and providing a visual indicationof the location of the of the item within the distribution facility.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing, via theuser interface, location information.

In another aspect described herein, a system for locating an itemcomprises means for receiving a request to locate an item, the itemhaving a beacon thereon; means for communicating the request to acentral server; means for activating a plurality of sensors in adistribution facility; means for receiving a signal from the beacon onthe item in the distribution facility; and means for determining thelocation of the item within the distribution facility based on thereceived signal from the beacon on the item.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an distribution item.

FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a beaconsensor.

FIG. 2B is a top view of an embodiment of a beacon sensor.

FIG. 2C is an embodiment of a sensor label, having a sensor therein, foruse on a package.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a beaconsensor.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an item having an embodiment of a beacondevice affixed thereto.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an item having an embodiment of a beacondevice affixed thereto.

FIG. 6 depicts a system for identifying or interacting with an itemhaving a beacon thereon.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart depicting a process using a beacon enabled item.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part thereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. Thus, in some embodiments, part numbers may be usedfor similar components in multiple figures, or part numbers may varydepending from figure to figure. The illustrative embodiments describedin the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to belimiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may bemade, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of thepresent disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated inthe Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in awide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitlycontemplated and made part of this disclosure.

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for providinglocation, tracking, and other services using a hardware beacon attachedor embedded in a distribution item. The beacon can be used to identify,locate, and track the item having the beacon. For example, adistribution network processes many items a day. Some items are valuablein terms of sentimental value, monetary value, or other valued item,tracking of such items is desired to ensure the item arrives at theintended destination. Such items may become lost, misrouted, or delayed.In such a circumstance, a distribution network can locate a particularitem using a unique identifier contained in circuitry or hardware on theitem, on the packaging of the item, or embedded in the item or thepackaging. The circuitry or hardware can be a beacon for locating andtracking the item.

As used herein, the term beacon can signify an electronic device whichcan encode a unique identifier which can be read and identified by acomputing device. For example, a beacon can be a radio frequency tag,either passive or active, a Bluetooth-type device, near fieldcommunication (NFC) device, or other similar device.

As used herein, the term item or distribution item may refer to discretearticles in the distribution network, such as mailpieces, letters,flats, magazines, periodicals, packages, parcels, pallets, bags, cases,trunks, suitcases, and the like. The term item can also refer to trays,containers, conveyances, crates, boxes, bags, and the like. As usedherein, the term carrier may refer to an individual assigned to a routewho delivers the items to each destination. The term may also refer toother delivery resources, such as trucks, trains, planes, and othercomponents of the distribution network. The present disclosure alsorelates to systems and methods to identify, locate, and trackdistribution items. As used herein, the term module may refer to aspecific purpose computer, including a dedicated memory and specificprogramming, a hardware embodied processor, or a specifically programmedor designed application. An exemplary distribution network may be theUnited States Postal Service. With the large number of items, tracking asingle item or finding a particular item can be challenging. Althoughthe United States Postal Service is discussed herein as an exemplarydistribution network, it will be understood that this disclosure is notlimited thereto.

A distribution network may comprise multiple levels. For example, adistribution network may comprise regional distribution facilities,hubs, and unit delivery facilities, or any other desired level. Forexample, a nationwide distribution network may comprise one or moreregional distribution facilities having a defined coverage area (such asa geographic area), designated to receive items from intake facilitieswithin the defined coverage area, or from other regional distributionfacilities. The regional distribution facility can sort items fordelivery to another regional distribution facility, or to a hub levelfacility within the regional distributional facility's coverage area. Aregional distribution facility can have one or more hub level facilitieswithin its defined coverage area. A hub level facility can be affiliatedwith a few or many unit delivery facilities, and can sort and deliveritems to the unit delivery facilities with which it is associated. Inthe case of the United States Postal Service, the unit delivery facilitymay be associated with a ZIP code. The unit delivery facility receivesitems from local senders, and from hub level facilities or regionaldistribution facilities. The unit delivery facility also sorts andstages the items intended for delivery to destinations within the unitdelivery facility's coverage area. Each of the levels in thedistribution network may act as an intake facility where items areinducted into the delivery stream.

As an item is processed in a distribution network, if the item isseparated from the processing equipment, for example, falls of aconveyor belt, is misplaced by a carrier, etc., the item may not benoticed or seen for an extended period of time due to the large numberof items processed in a facility. This can lead to loss of the item,delay in delivery, damage to the item, and the like. To avoid ormitigate the consequences of losing an item or delaying delivery, acustomer may wish to use a container or package which allows unique andindividual tracking of an item. Where a high value item is to beshipped, such as human remains, jewelry, irreplaceable items, heirlooms,and the like, a beacon, such as an RF or Bluetooth beacon can beembedded in packaging or an item, or be affixed to a surface ofpackaging or the item. Although high value items are described above,the beacon enabled box described herein can be used for sending anydesired item, and can give a sender peace of mind and a high degree ofconfidence that the item will be successfully and timely delivered. Acustomer can purchase a beacon or packaging with a beacon-enabled box,which has a beacon device thereon or embedded therein for use with thedistribution network. The customer can place the article in thebeacon-enabled box. The beacon can store and/or be associated a uniqueidentifier which can be associated with the article, the shipper, andthe recipient. The customer seals the beacon-enabled box, whichactivates the beacon. When the beacon-enabled box enters the mail stream(in the case of the United States Postal Service (USPS)), the beacon canbe activated and can send a signal via an RF signal, Bluetooth protocol,and the like.

If the item is not delivered, or is delayed, a customer can provide thebeacon number to the distribution network, such as by checking status ina mobile application, inputting a unique identifier in a trackingsystem, by calling the distribution network, or otherwise requestingitem status. The distribution facility, vehicle, carrier, processingequipment, etc., where the beacon-enabled box was last scanned can besearched using a system or network of beacon detectors to identify theprecise location of the beacon-enabled box. This can assure that theitem to be delivered is not lost.

When the beacon-enabled box arrives, the recipient can open the box,thereby deactivating the beacon to prevent further tracking of thebeacon.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an item 100 fordistribution within a distribution network. The item 100 comprises apackage 102, and a beacon 110. The terms item 100 and package 102 may beused interchangeably throughout this description.

The package 102 depicted is generally box-shaped, and can be similar tostandard cardboard box. The package 102 is exemplary only, and a personof skill in the art would understand that the principles described herecan be implemented with a variety of packaging devices or methods.

The package 102 comprises a plurality of sides 103, a plurality ofclosure flaps 104 (shown in an open position), and an internal volume106 which is bounded by the plurality of sides 103 and the plurality ofclosure flaps 104, when the closure flaps 104 are closed (not shown).

The package 102 is configured to receive an article to be shipped ordistributed. In some embodiments, the article to be shipped ordistributed is a high value item and so tracking is desired. In someembodiments, the tracking can be the ability to locate the item 100 ifit becomes lost or misrouted. A label 105 can be applied to the package102 to identify the source, intended recipient, postage payments,service class, to provide a tracking number, a unique identifier, andthe like.

The beacon 110 is disposed on the package 102, and can be disposed onone of the sides 103 or on one of the closure flaps 104. As shown, thebeacon 110 is disposed on one of the sides 103. The beacon 110 isattached to an external surface of side 103. In some embodiments, thebeacon 110 can be embedded within the structural material of the side103, for example, embedded within the cardboard structure of the side103. In some embodiments, the beacon 110 can be affixed to an outer orinner surface of the side 103, and it can be covered by a covering (notshown) or a coating. In order to operate, the beacon 110 need not bephysically visible. In some embodiments, the beacon 110 can be placeddirectly on the article being shipped, in case the article is removedfrom the package 102, the package 102 is damaged, or the article fallsout of the package 102.

The beacon 110 comprises a power source 112, a sensor 114, and one ormore electrical leads 116. The power source 112 and the sensor 114 areshown in dashed lines, which indicate that the power source 112 and thesensor 114 may be embedded in the material of the package 102 or may beadhered to an internal or external surface of one of the sides 103 ofthe package 102. The power source 112 provides electrical energy to thesensor 114 via the one or more electrical leads 116. The power source112 can be a chemical cell battery, such as a lithium ion, nickelcadmium, and the like, and can have a variety of form factors. The powersource 112 has the capacity to power the sensor 114 for a predeterminedamount of time, for example, for 30 days after activation, which will bediscussed in greater detail below. In some embodiments, the power source112 is sized and configured to power the sensor 114 for 2 days, 5 days,7 days, 10 days, 20 days, 45 days, 6 months, or more, or for any othertime, as desired. The power source 112 will likely not be recharged, soit should have sufficient capacity to power the sensor 114 for enoughtime for the package 102 to be obtained by a customer and used to shipan item without the power source 112 failing.

The sensor 114 can be a Bluetooth enabled chip, and RF antenna, anintegrated circuit with broadcasting and receiving capability, apaper-thin circuit, such as a circuit printed onto a surface, a hybridRFID chip, and the like. The sensor 114 can be connected to a visualindicator (not shown), such as an LED, to an audible indicator (notshown) such as a speaker or sound emitting device, and to a vibrationelement (not shown), which can cause the beacon 110 to vibrate when itis identified, as will be described elsewhere herein. The sensor 114 hasa memory which can store a unique identifier. The unique identifier, oran identifier corresponding to the unique identifier can be printed andbe visible or readable on the label 105. In some embodiments, the label105 includes a number, such as a serial number, that can be associatedwith the unique identifier stored in the sensor 114 in a centralcomputing system, to facilitate tracking of the item 100. The sensor 114further comprises an antenna or other transmitting and receivingcapabilities (not shown) to allow the sensor to receive aninterrogations signal, read the signal, and respond if the interrogationsignal corresponds to, or is associated with the unique identifier. Thesensor 114 is adapted to transmit a signal on the electromagneticspectrum, for example, radio frequency. The sensor 114 can transmit asignal with the unique identifier so as to be identified by a reader orsome other device. The sensor 114 can pair, via a Bluetooth connection,or can simply transmit a signal, such as an RF signal. The sensor 114can also actively listen for an interrogation signal, and can provide aresponse thereto, as will be described elsewhere herein. In someembodiments, the sensor 114 broadcasts continually, intermittently, orperiodically. In some embodiments, the sensor 114 emits a signal only inresponse to an interrogation signal.

In some embodiments, the beacon 110 can include a GPS receiver orposition locator that can be used to identify the location of the item100 using a GPS system.

In some embodiments, the sensor 114 can store and broadcast additionalinformation, such as an identifier of service type (e.g., first classmail, high-value item, and the like), an identifier of the articlewithin the package 102 (e.g., cremated ashes, high dollar item), thedestination or recipient, and/or the sender. This information can beprogrammed into the sensor 114 and can be stored within the sensor 114.The sensor 114 can be thin and flexible, and easy to incorporate intopackaging material, such as corrugated paper, cardboard, and the like.In some embodiments, the sensor 114 can include a thin, flexible antennaformed by applying or printing layers of conductive material in liquidform on top of each other in a spiral to generate an antenna which isconnected to the sensor 114.

FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a sensorhaving a Bluetooth-type capability. A sensor 214 comprises a pressuresensitive layer 220, a pattern adhesive coating 222, a microchip 224,and a conforming layer 226. The pressure sensitive layer 220 cancomprise an adhesive and a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor can bein electrical connection with the microchip 224 to send a signal to themicrochip 224 when the pressure sensor is activated. The adhesive can becoated by a protecting layer (not shown) which is peeled off before thesensor 114 is applied to the package 102. The pressure sensitive layer220 can be used to activate the sensor 214. For example, when a userpurchases a beacon 110 or a sensor 114 (which may be connected to apower source as described with regard to FIG. 1), a user can peel theprotecting layer off the pressure sensitive layer to expose the pressuresensitive layer 220 and the adhesive. The user can then attach thesensor 214 to the package 102 by pressing the sensor 214 onto thepackage 102. The pressure from pressing the sensor 214 onto the package102 to adhere the sensor 214 thereto activates the pressure sensor,which sends a signal to the microchip 224, which can activate or turn onthe sensor 214.

The pattern adhesive coating 222 connects the pressure sensitive layer220 to the microchip 220, protects the microchip 224, and can have apattern formed therein. The pattern can act as an antenna for receivingand/or broadcasting signals from the microchip 224. The microchip 224can be a Bluetooth receiver/transmitter having a storage, amicroprocessor, and circuitry. The microchip 224 can be in electricalconnection with the pattern formed in the pattern adhesive layer 222 forsending and receiving signals. In some embodiments, the antenna is partof the microchip 224. The microchip 224 is in electrical connection witha power supply, such as power source 112, for powering the microchip224.

The conforming layer 226 can be a high density foam. The conforminglayer adheres to the microchip 224 and the pattern adhesive layer 222 toseal and protect the microchip 224 from environmental factors, humidity,impact, damage, and the like.

FIG. 2B is an embodiment of a beacon sensor having Bluetooth®capabilities. The beacon 210 comprises a battery 212, a Bluetooth® chip250, an antenna 260, and an annunciator 270.

The battery 212 can be similar to power sources described elsewhereherein. In some embodiments, the battery 212 can be a coin cell orbutton cell-type battery. The battery 212 is connected to the rest ofthe sensor 212 via a first contact 251 and a second contact 252.

The chip 250 is a Bluetooth® enabled microchip similar to thosedescribed elsewhere herein. The chip 250 can have an on-board memory tostore information that can be programmed into the chip, and that can bechanged, modified, supplemented, or removed using with the appropriatehardware and communication protocols. The chip 250 controls theoperation of the beacon 210.

The chip 250 is in communication with the antenna 260 and theannunciator 270. The antenna 260 can be a metal or metallic lead. Insome embodiments, the antenna 260 can be printed using a conductive ink,or produced through other methods. The production of the beacon 210 willbe described in greater detail below.

The annunciator 270 can be an audible, optical, or electromechanicalsignal. For example, the annunciator 270 can comprise an audibletransmitter which can emit an audible signal. In some embodiments, theannunciator 270 can provide an optical signal, such as a visualindicator, a light, such as an LED, etc. In some embodiments, theannunciator 270 can provide an electromechanical signal, such as avibration.

The beacon 210 further comprises a conductive pattern 262 whichelectrically connects the components of the beacon 210 to each other.For example, the conductive pattern 262 connects the chip 250 to thefirst and second contacts 251, 252, to the antenna 260, and to theannunciator 270.

To produce a beacon 210, the conductive pattern 262 can be printed ontoa substrate 220. The substrate can be a clear or opaque backing, and cancomprise an adhesive. The conductive pattern 262 can be printed on thesubstrate 220 using a conductive ink in a predetermined pattern. Theantenna 260 can be printed using conductive ink, or can be laid down asa metallic or foil trace. After the conductive pattern 262 and themetallic traces have been applied to the substrate, the chip 260 and theannunciator 270 can be positioned onto the substrate at preciselocations within the conductive pattern 262 to make all the necessaryelectrical connections.

In some embodiments, the second contact 252 is applied to the substrate220 in the same plane as the first contact 251, the conductive pattern262 and the antenna 260. The second contact 252 can then be foldedthrough a flexible fold point 265. The radius of the fold point 265, orthe distance between the first contact 251 and the second contact 252after folding can correspond to the thickness of the battery 212.

Production of the beacon 210 can be a continuous manufacturing processwhere a thin filament is coated with several conductive inks in order tocreate a customizable flexible circuit board, and then the components,such as the battery 212, the chip 250, and the annunciator 270, areapplied to the flexible circuit board. The production and assemblyprocess proceeds without the fabrication machines being stopped. As theproduction of one beacon 210 is complete, the filament is severed atallocated locations to create separate beacons 210.

The beacon 210 operates in a manner similar to the sensors describedelsewhere herein. In some embodiments, the beacon 210 can includeadditional functionality or sensors (not shown) which are positioned onthe substrate 220 and are electrically connected to the chip 250 and thebattery 212. For example, the beacon 210 may include a temperaturesensor, a humidity sensor, an elevation sensor, a force or impactsensor, or any other desired sensor. The temperature sensor can bedisposed within the item, such as on the internal surface of a box orcontainer so the temperature sensor can detect the temperature of theinternal environment of a box or container. In some embodiments, thetemperature sensor or other sensor can be configured to communicate thetemperature, humidity, impact force, or other parameters together withthe identifier or other information by broadcast via the antenna 260 inthe Bluetooth or other wireless signal. The temperature of the inside ofthe box, for example, can be sent to a control hub (as will be describedelsewhere herein), and can be used to determine whether the weather orenvironment surrounding the item 100 will have adverse effects on thecontents of the item.

FIG. 2C is an embodiment of a sensor label, having a sensor 214 therein,for use on a portion of a package 202. A sensor label 240 has the sensor214 therein, as described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, thesensor label 240 includes both the sensor 214 and a power source. Thesensor label 240 comprises a code section 242, which is removable orfoldable along a score line.

The sensor label 240 is configured to be applied to the package 202. Insome embodiments, the package 202 is specially configured to receive thesensor label 240, having a designated portion of the package 202 towhich the sensor label 240 is to be affixed. This area can be marked onthe package 202 by indicator lines 203. An article to be shipped isplaced within the package 202, the sensor label 240 is applied to thepackage 202, and the package 202 is sealed. The sensor 214 can beactivated by the pressure sensitive switch described above. A user canthen scan a computer readable code, such as a barcode from the codesection 242 of the sensor label 240. The computer readable code canencode a serial number unique to the sensor 214, and which is stored inthe sensor 214. The user scans the computer readable code, or otherwiseinputs the code into a computing device, such as via an applicationrunning on smartphone, to register the serial number, or uniqueidentifier with the distribution network, or to activate a trackingservice for the sensor label 240. In some embodiments, the user can paira computing device with the sensor label 240 using a Bluetooth or othersimilar protocol, which, once paired, can transmit to the distributionnetwork, via the smart device, the unique identifier or serial number ofthe sensor 214 to the distribution network. This process will bedescribed in greater detail below.

The user can also associate the code for the sensor 214 with a label 205on the package 202. The user can input a unique identifier for thesensor 214, and input a number or code from the label 205, and form anassociation, or cause an association to be formed in the systems of thedistribution network. In this way, the sensor 214 and/or the label 205can be used to provide location, scan information, and processing statusof the package 202.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a sensorhaving an RFID hybrid capability. A sensor 314 comprises a pressuresensitive layer 320, a pattern adhesive layer 322, an active RFID chip324, a passive RFID inlay 325, and a conforming layer 326. The pressuresensitive layer 320 and the pattern adhesive layer 322 can be similar tothose described elsewhere herein. The pattern adhesive layer 322 may nothave a pattern antenna therein where the passive RFID inlay 325 is used.

The active RFID chip 324 can be an active RFID circuit capable ofstoring an identifier or other information and receiving andbroadcasting a signal according to the stored identifier as describedelsewhere herein. The active RFID chip 324 is connected to a powersupply, similar to power source 112 to power the active RFID chip 324.

The passive RFID inlay 325 is a passive RFID pattern which encodes aspecific signal, or is designed to emit an RF signal at a predeterminedfrequency, wavelength, amplitude, etc., when interrogated by aninterrogation signal. The passive RFID inlay 325 can encode a uniqueidentifier, or can broadcast a signal which can be associated with aunique identifier. The unique identifier of the passive RFID inlay 325can be similar to or the same as the unique identifier stored within theactive RFID chip 324. The passive RFID inlay 325 can function inparallel with the active RFID chip 324, and/or can provide a backupfunction if the power source for the active RFID chip 324, or the RFIDchip 324 itself is damaged or fails.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an item 400 having a beacon deviceaffixed thereto. A beacon 410 is attached to a package 402. The beaconcomprises a power source 412, a sensor 414, and electrical leads 416.The power source 412, the sensor 414, and the electrical leads 416 canbe similar to those described elsewhere herein. The beacon alsocomprises a first tab 418 and a second tab 419. The first and the secondtabs 418, 419 can include electrically isolating material, or can bemade out of a high resistance material. In some embodiments, first tab418 can comprise an adhesive which adheres tightly to the package and islaid over the leads 416. The first tab 418 also adheres tightly to theleads 418. When the first tab 418 is removed from the package 402,portions of the leads 416 break away from the rest of the leads 416, andare removed with the first tab 418, thus breaking the connection betweenthe power source 412 and the sensor 414 and deactivating the beacon 410.

The second tab 419 can be made of electrically isolating material whichis installed in a first position, inserted between cells of a battery inthe power source 412 or positioned between an output connector of thepower source 412 and the leads 416. Thus, with the second tab 419 in thefirst position, the second tab 419 interrupts the circuit between thepower source 412 and the sensor 414. When a user wishes to activate thebeacon 410, the user pulls the second tab 419 from the first position toa second position, where the second tab 419 is removed and separatedfrom the power source 412, and the package 402 generally. Removal of thesecond tab 419 will create electrical connection between the powersource 412 and the sensor 414 via leads 416. The creation of thiselectrical connection can activate or turn on the sensor 414, which willthen be able to, and, in some embodiments, may begin to, sendand/receive signals corresponding to the unique identifier or serialnumber of the sensor 414.

The first tab 418 remains in place after removal of the second tab 419to allow the beacon 410 to continue operation. When the item 400 hasbeen delivered, the recipient can pull or remove the first tab 418 tosever the leads 416, and deactivate the beacon 410 by disconnecting thepower source 412 and the sensor 414.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an item 500 having an embodiment of abeacon 510 affixed thereto. The item 500 comprises a package 502 and abeacon 510 attached thereto or embedded therein. The package 502comprises a plurality of sides 503, surrounding a volume 506, a firstclosing flap 504 a, and a second closing flap 504 b. The first closingflap 504 a and the second closing flap 504 b are attached to opposingsides 503. The first closing flap 504 a includes a first contact 512 aand the second closing flap 504 b includes a second contact 512 b. Thesecond closing flap 504 b also comprises an adhesive 505 for sealing thepackage 502 closed. The adhesive 505 is covered by an insulating cover513. The insulating cover is a removable, electrically insulating stripwhich protects the adhesive and prevents electrical communicationbetween the first contact 512 a and the second contact 512 b before theinsulating cover 513 is removed.

The first and second contacts 512 a-b are electrically conductivepatterns, pads, plates, wires, or the like which are configured toconduct electricity. The first contact 512 a is disposed on a surface ofthe first closing flap 504 a which does not face the volume 506 of thepackage 502. The second contact 512 a is disposed on a surface of thesecond closing flap 504 b which faces or enters the volume 506 when thesecond closing flap 504 b is closed. The first and second contacts 512a-b are disposed on opposing flaps, and are positioned such that whenthe first and second closing flaps 504 a-b are closed, the first andsecond contact 512 a-b are brought into electrical contact with eachother.

The beacon 510 comprises a power source 512, a sensor 514, and leads516, similar to those described elsewhere herein. The leads 516 extendfrom the power source 512 to the second contact 512 b and from the firstcontact 512 a to the sensor 514. The leads can be embedded in thepackage 502, or can be attached to a surface thereof. In someembodiments, the first contact 512 a and second contact 512 b can eachcomprise two individual contacts, one corresponding to each leadextending between the power source 512 and the sensor 514.

When the package 502 is in an unused state, such as when it is receivedby a user or shipper who desires to ship an item, the insulating cover513 is in place over the adhesive 505 and over at least a portion of thesecond contact 512 b. The user places an article to be shipped in thevolume 506 of the package. The user can then remove the insulating cover513, exposing the adhesive 505 and the second contact 512 b. The userfolds the first closing flap 504 a and then the second closing flap 504b. As the second closing flap 504 b is closed, the adhesive 505 contactsthe first closing flap 504 a, and the first and second contacts 512 a-bare brought into electrical contact with each other. The package 502 issealed by adherence of the adhesive to the first closing flap 504 a.

When the first contact 512 a makes electrical contact with the secondcontact 512 b, the circuit between the power source 512 and sensor 514is completed, and the sensor 514 is turned on or activated. When thesensor is activated, the user can connect a Bluetooth device to thesensor 514, or can provide a code from the beacon 510 to thedistribution network as described elsewhere herein.

The second closure flap 504 b also includes an opening tab 518. Theopening tab is embedded in the second flap 504 b and runs along a lengthof the second closure flap 504 b. The opening tab 518 comprises anon-tearing material such that it can be pulled to open the package 502.When the recipient receives the item 500, the recipient opens thepackage 502 by pulling on the opening tab 518. The opening tab 518 tearsaway the portion of the second closure flap 504 b having the adhesive,which disconnects the first closing flap 504 a from the second closingflap 504 b. This action may also sever a portion of the leads 516running between the power source 512 and the second contact 512 b. Asthe first and second closing flaps 504 a-b are opened, the first andsecond contacts 512 a-b move out of electrical connection with eachother. By one or both of these methods, the power source 512 isdisconnected from the sensor 514, and the sensor 514 is deactivated.

In some embodiments, the beacon 510 includes a cellular networktransmitter that transmits a signal when the package is opened to acentral hub or server to confirm that the package was delivered andopened.

FIG. 6 depicts a system 600 for identifying an item having a beacon 110thereon. The system comprises a central hub 120, a mobile computingdevice 130, a plurality of sensors 140, a network 150, and a userinterface 160. The central hub 120 includes a processor and a memory forcarrying out all the functions of the central hub 120. The central hubis in wired or wireless communication with the mobile computing device130 and the plurality of sensors 140. The central hub 120 can also be incommunication with the mobile computing device 130 and the userinterface 160, either wired, wireless, via a network 150.

The mobile computing device 130 can be any mobile device configured toemit an interrogation signal to the beacon 110 and receive a signaltherefrom. In some embodiments, the mobile computing device 130 can be amobile delivery device carried by a carrier or a smartphone. The mobilecomputing device 130 is also configured to receive information from thecentral hub 120 regarding information received from the beacon 110 viathe sensors, as will be described in greater detail below.

The plurality of sensors 140 are configured to emit an interrogationsignal and to receive a response to the interrogation signal. Theplurality of sensors are also able to detect a signal transmitted fromthe beacon 110 on the item 100. The plurality of sensors can be placedin a distribution network facility, such as at a hub, at a unit deliveryfacility, in a truck, train, plane, or any other location of thedistribution facility. The plurality of sensors 140 can be arranged inspecific locations according to the layout of the facility in which theyare placed. For example, in some embodiments, the beacon 110 has atransmitting range of 10 feet-150 feet, or 500 feet (using a Bluetooth5.0 protocol) or 900 feet (using a hybrid RFID). In order to provideadequate coverage of sensors and to ensure that the beacon is never outof transmitting range of the plurality of sensors 140, a sufficientnumber of sensors 140 are placed in the facility at specific locationsto provide adequate coverage of the facility.

In some embodiments, delivery resources, such as vehicles, can includesensors 140, and can be remote from a distribution facility. Thesesensors 140 are able to communicate wirelessly with the central hub 120to report whether signals from beacons 110 are detected or detectable onthe delivery resource transporting the item 100.

The sensors 140 are configured to send interrogation signals into thefacility and to receive a response from the beacon 110. In someembodiments, the sensors 140 need not send interrogation signals, butsimply listen and receive signals from a beacon 110 which iscontinuously, periodically, or intermittently broadcasting a signal.

The sensors 140 receive the signal from the beacon 110 and interpret thesignal as the unique identifier or as the serial number. In someembodiments, the sensors 140 receive the signal and transmit the signalto the central hub 120 which then determines the unique identifier orthe serial number encoded in the signal, or which is associated with thereceived signal in the memory of the central hub 120.

The operation of the system 600 will now be described. When a userdesires to send an item in a package 102 having a beacon 110 thereon,the user can register the beacon 110 with the distribution network viathe user interface 160. In some embodiments, the user interface 160 canbe operable or embodied on a user's computing device, such as a user'ssmartphone, as a mobile software application. As described elsewhereherein, this can be done by providing a computer readable code, serialnumber, or the like to the distribution network via a computer interface(user interface 160) such as an application, a computer terminal, awebsite, a mobile computing application, etc. In some embodiments, thebeacon 110 can be registered by scanning a computer readable code usinga smartphone having an optical, IR, or other imaging device. In someembodiments, the beacon can be registered by performing a pairingprocedure via a near field communication network, such as Bluetooth, andthe like. When an identifier unique to the beacon 110 is entered in theapplication, scanned, or a paired, the user interface 160 communicatesinformation regarding the beacon 110, including, for example, a uniqueidentifier or serial number, a time of registration, informationregarding the user registering the beacon 110, the geographic locationof the beacon 110 at the time of registration (e.g., if registered via aGPS enabled computing device), payment information, or any other desiredinformation, or any combination of the above. As will be described ingreater detail below, a similar procedure may be performed to deactivatea beacon 110 device.

When the beacon 110 is registered with the distribution network, theunique identifier or serial number is stored in the central hub 120 (viathe network 150). The central hub 120 stores the unique identifier orserial number of the beacon 110. In some embodiments, the central hub120 also stores, or has previously stored an identifier corresponding tothe signal that is emitted by the beacon 110. In some embodiments, thesignal emitted by the beacon encodes the unique identifier, or is asignal that corresponds with the unique identifier, or is recognizableas the unique identifier. The registration process may activate thebeacon device 110, wherein the beacon 110 begins transmitting a signal,or becomes responsive to an interrogation signal. This can beaccomplished via a signal transmitted from the central hub 120 to theuser interface 160 via the network 150. For example, a Bluetooth devicepaired with the beacon 110 can receive a signal from the central hub120, and the Bluetooth device can send an activation signal to thebeacon 110.

When a user desires to find an item 100 which may have been lost ormisrouted, or if delivery requirements change and the item 100 needs tobe delivered on an expedited basis, the item 100 may need to beindividually located within the distribution network facility. Thisinformation can be provided to the central hub 120 from the userinterface 160, via the network 150. In some embodiments, the informationcan be provided from a mobile computing device 130, such as one used byan employee, supervisor, or other distribution network personnel. Asupervisor may also have access to the user interface 160, and which mayprovide different options or functionality for a supervisor than for auser desiring to send the item 100 having the beacon 110 thereon.

For example, a user may desire to locate the item 100 which is to bedelivered, and the user may request information regarding the locationof the item 100. In some embodiments, the central hub can receive acommunication directing that the item 100 be rerouted based on changeddelivery circumstances or expedited needs. A supervisor, carrier, orother facility personnel can provide this input via the user interface160. In some embodiments, the central hub 120 may receive an automatedsignal from another system of the distribution network to reroute theitem 100.

In some embodiments, the request to identify or locate the item 100 isgenerated automatically by the central hub 120. For example, the centralhub 120 may receive a message that a delivery window for an item hasbeen missed, or an expected scan event on item processing equipment forthe item 100 did not occur, or if a scan event is detected for the item100 at a location which is not along a predicted, proposed, likely, ormost efficient delivery route.

When the request to identify the item 100 is received, a message can bedisplayed on the mobile computing device instructing a carrier or otherpersonnel at the distribution facility to identify the item. The carriercan acknowledge the request at the mobile computing device 130 andinitiate the search. In some embodiments, the search initiatesautomatically in response to the request to locate the item 100, and thesensors 140 are activated. The sensors 140 send interrogation signalsand detect responsive signals, or they sensors are activated to listenfor the unique identifier or serial number, or to the signal transmittedby the beacon 110 corresponding to the unique identifier or serialnumber. In a large facility, one or more of the plurality of sensor 140,but not all the sensors 140, will be in range of the specific signaltransmitted from the beacon 110. In a large facility, there may also beadditional items 100 emitting signals for other beacons, other than thebeacon of interest. The plurality of sensors 140 and the central hub 120are configured to identify the specific signal for the item beingsearched for.

The sensors 140 that are in proximity to the item 100 send signals tothe central hub 120, and/or directly to the mobile computing device 130.The sensors 140 can send their own location, or the central hub 120knows their location, and so the central hub 120 can calculate anapproximate position of the item 100, or can direct the mobile computingdevice 130 in the direction of the beacon 110, based on the receivedsignal. In some embodiments, the plurality of sensor s 140 can alsosense the strength of the emitted signal from the beacon 110, and cansend this information to the central hub 120 so the central hub cantriangulate a location of the item 100.

The central hub 120 or the sensors 140, or both send signals to themobile computing device with a visual or audible indicator or both,showing where the carrier should move to find the item 100. As themobile computing device 130 moves closer to the physical location of theitem 100, as determined by the signal from the beacon 110, the mobilecomputing device 130 can alert the carrier to begin to look through theitems in the facility for the specific item.

In some embodiments, the beacon 110 can respond to an interrogationsignal from the plurality of sensors 140 by emitting a visual or audiblealarm, or by vibrating. The sound, light, or vibration, or anycombination of these, can assist the carrier with identifying thephysical location of the item 100.

When the item 100 is located, the central hub 120 can notify the userthat the item 100 has been located, the location of the item 100, andany next actions to be taken. The central hub 120 may instruct thecarrier where to put the item 100 for further processing, as in the caseof rerouting, expedited delivery, or changed delivery circumstances.

In some embodiments, the system 600 is configured to identify thepresence of items 100 having beacons 110 thereon without a specificrequest to locate the item 100. For example, a distribution facility mayreceive many items in a shipment, such as from a truck, pallet, and thelike, which are to be processed, sorted, and sent out for delivery. Thesensors 140 may be passively listening for a signal from anybeacon-enabled item 100, having a beacon 110 thereon. When an item 100arrives in the facility which has a beacon 110 thereon, the sensors 140identify that a beacon 110 is present in the facility. The central hub120 receives a notification that a beacon 110 is present, and queries adatabase using the unique identifier of the beacon 110. The database mayindicate whether a particular item 100 having a particular beacon 110thereon should be handled differently than other items, for example,prioritized, segregated, place on a conveyor or another vehicle first,and the like. in some embodiments, all beacon-enabled items initiate asimilar response. When the beacon 110 is detected, the sensors 140 cansend an interrogation signal to cause the beacon 110 to emit light orsound, or to vibrate, or any combination of these to alert facilitypersonnel to the presence of the beacon 110.

For example, if a beacon 110 is detected at a facility, in a vehicle, orin any other location in the distribution network, the sensors 140 cancommunicate the presence of the beacon 110 to the central hub 120. Thecentral hub 120 can query an item routing database to identify theintended path for the beacon 110 through the distribution network, anddetermine whether the beacon 110 is supposed to be in the distributionfacility or vehicle in which it was detected. If the beacon 110 issupposed to be in the distribution facility or vehicle, no action istaken. If the beacon 110 is not supposed to be in the distributionfacility, vehicle, or location in which it is identified, the centralhub 120 triggers an alert to a carrier, driver, distribution facilitypersonnel that the item 100 is lost, misrouted, or the like. The centralhub 120 also instructs personnel identify and find the item 100 and takecorrective action. In some embodiments, the corrective action may betaken automatically by rerouting the item 100 through mail processingequipment when a misrouting is detected. The beacon 110 can be activatedto alarm, vibrate, illuminate, and the like to aid in locating the item100 on which the beacon 110 is located.

In some embodiments, an item 100 having a beacon 110 thereon caninteract with an item receptacle as the item is being delivered. Forexample, a delivery receptacle, such as a mailbox, can have a sensor ordetector configured to receive a signal from a beacon 110. The mailboxescan be similar to those described in U.S. Patent Application No.62/312,323, filed Mar. 23, 2016, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/466,475, filed Mar. 22, 2017, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

The delivery receptacle can receive a signal from a beacon 110 on anitem 100 as it is brought into proximity with the receptacle, or isplaced inside the receptacle. The delivery receptacle is configured toreceive the unique identifier or serial number from the beacon 110 andcommunicate the unique identifier or serial number to a central server.The central server can identify the beacon 110 and use the uniqueidentifier or serial number to identify the item that was delivered.This information can be used to confirm delivery of an item inreal-time, or near real-time to a recipient, a sender, or both. In someembodiments, the central server can automatically send a notification ofdelivery to a user, via a smartphone, email, text message, and the like,upon receipt of the unique identifier from the receptacle.

For example, a sender may send multiple items 100, each having a beacon110 with its own unique identifier. In some embodiments, the beacons110, which are attached to similar or identical items, may all have thesame unique identifier. The sender may wish to know exactly when theitems are delivered to the intended delivery receptacles. When thebeacons 110 interact with the receptacles, the signals confirmingdelivery can be provided to the sender for confirmation.

In some embodiments, the beacon 110 can be modified so that the signalfrom the beacon can only extend a short distance from the beacon 110,such as 1 inch, 6 inches, 1 foot, 2 feet, or any other desired length.This short length prevents the beacon 110 from interacting withreceptacles as the item 100 passes by receptacles on its way to deliveryin a specific receptacle.

In some embodiments, the notification of delivery to a user can includea link to additional content. In some embodiments, when the user picksup the item 100, the user's smartphone can receive the signal from thebeacon 110. The signal can include the unique identifier or serialnumber of the beacon 110, and can include additional information such asa hyperlink, which is sent to the user's smartphone. The user'ssmartphone, in response to receiving the hyperlink from the signal fromthe beacon 110 can direct the user's smartphone to additional content.The hyperlink can be encoded into the beacon 110 by the sender of theitem 100, and the hyperlink or additional content from the beacon 110can be related to the item 100.

In some embodiments, when a user chooses to follow a link to additionalcontent, the link will direct the smartphone's browser through a serverassociated with the distribution network, such as a USPS server, toaccess the additional content. Traffic through the USPS server can betracked and traced, and the sender of the item 100 or the provider ofthe additional content can trace how many times recipients access theadditional content based on receiving the items 100 having beacons 110thereon.

A beacon 110 may transmit a signal, or may otherwise be active (in thecase of an active beacon) until deactivated. In the case where thebeacon 110 is not deactivated by opening of the item 100, or via a pulltab as described above, it may be advantageous to deactivate a beacon110 remotely, around a time of delivery of the item 100, for example,shortly before delivery, upon delivery, or shortly after delivery.

Beacon 110 deactivation can occur via several ways. For example, abeacon 110 may be carried with a carrier as the carrier moves along adelivery route. The carrier can carry a mobile computing device 130along the delivery route. The mobile computing device 130 can have a GPSlocation module and can determine its geographic location. The mobilecomputing device 130 stores information regarding the carrier's route,geofences for the delivery points along the route, and identity of items100 for delivery along the carrier's route, and the same information canbe stored in the central hub 120. As the mobile computing device 130along the route, it will enter a geofence corresponding to the deliverypoint for the item 100. The mobile computing device 130 can send asignal to the central hub 120 indicating the mobile computing device 130is in, near, or has transited through the geofence of the deliverypoint. Upon approaching, entering, leaving, or transiting through thegeofence, the mobile computing device 130, or the central hub 120, cansend a wireless signal to the beacon 110 to instruct the beacon 110 todeactivate. The signal can be sent via an antenna in the mobilecomputing device 130, via a cellular network, an RF signal, via thenearest Wi-Fi node, and the like.

In some embodiments, when the carrier delivers the item 100 having thebeacon 110 thereon, the carrier may be instructed to scan the item 100,such as a label having a computer readable code thereon, or a codespecific to the beacon 110. When the carrier puts the item 100 in a mailreceptacle, or on a porch, or other designated location, the carrierscans the item 100 with the mobile device 130 to generate deliveryinformation. The delivery information can be communicated to the centralhub 120, which can then send a deactivate signal to the beacon 110 onthe item 100 which was delivered. In some embodiments, the deactivatesignal can be sent automatically by the mobile computing device 130 uponthe delivery scan of the item, with or without communication with thecentral hub 120.

In some embodiments, a recipient or sender of the item may deactivatethe beacon 110 via the user interface 160. When the item 100 isdelivered, the central hub 120, or other component of a distributionnetwork can generate and send a delivery confirmation message to thesender of the item 100. The sender of the item can then access the userinterface 160, such as a mobile application on the user's smartphone,access the user's account, and indicate that the user wishes the beacon110 to be deactivated. The deactivation request can be communicated tothe central hub 120, which can then send a deactivate signal to thebeacon 110 as described elsewhere herein. In addition to deactivationafter delivery, the user can deactivate a beacon 110 enabled item 100 atany time by accessing the user interface 160 and requestingdeactivation.

A recipient may similarly deactivate a beacon 110 when the recipientreceives the item 100 having the beacon 110 thereon. When the item 100is received, the recipient may access the user interface 160 asdescribed elsewhere herein (e.g., mobile application, scanning a code,Bluetooth pairing, and the like), and request that the beacon 110 bedeactivated. In some embodiments, the act of scanning the item 100 bythe recipient or pairing with the beacon 110 can automaticallydeactivate the beacon 110.

A deactivate signal sent to the beacon 110 can instruct the beacon 110to stop broadcasting a signal, and can be irreversible to preventinadvertent tracking of a beacon 110 after delivery.

FIG. 7 depicts a flow chart showing exemplary operations using abeacon-enabled distribution item. Although this process is described interms of a single beacon 110, the process of FIG. 7 can be performedwith a plurality of beacons 110. A process 700 begins in block 702,wherein the system 600 attempts to detect a beacon 110. The attempt todetect the beacon 110 can be an active interrogation signal which causesa beacon 110 to positively respond. In some embodiments, the attempt todetect the beacon in block 702 can be a passive listening step,listening for a broadcast from a beacon 110. In some embodiments, thebeacon 110 broadcasts a signal at a given interval or at a certain timeof day.

The process 700 moves to decision state 704, wherein it is determinedwhether the beacon 110 is detected. The central hub 120 determineswhether it, any sensor 140, or any mobile computing device 130 hasreceived a signal from the beacon 110. The central hub 120 canperiodically or continuously detect beacons 110 and determine whetherthe items 100 are in their intended locations. The central hub 120 canalso compare the detected beacons 110 with the beacons 110 that areexpected to be at a particular facility or on a particular vehicle.

If the central hub 120 has not received a signal from a beacon 110 whichis expected to be active, intended to be in a particular facility,vehicle, or other location, the process 700 moves to decision state 716,wherein it is determined whether the item 110 with the beacon 110 whichwas not detected, was delivered. The operation of decision state 716will be described in greater detail below. To allow the central hub 120to determine whether a beacon 110 should be detected, the central hub120 can have stored, or can access other systems to retrieve,information for all active beacons 110 throughout the distributionnetwork. The central hub 120 can have stored, or have access to,information regarding the intended location, last scan data, or othertracking information for items 100 having beacons 110 thereon. Thus, asthe central hub 120 receives signals from the beacon 110 or from one ormore of the sensors 140 which has detected the beacon 110, the centralhub 120 will know that the beacon 110 is where it is supposed to be.Further, in some embodiments, the central hub 120 will only be lookingfor signals from beacons 110 which are intended to be in proximity tothe sensors 140, in a particular facility, on a vehicle, etc. Thus, ifit is determined in state 704 that the central hub 120 has not receiveda signal indicative of the presence of a beacon 110 which is notsupposed to be detected, then the process moves to state 716 and it isdetermined whether the item 100 having the beacon 110 thereon has beendelivered.

If the beacon 110 is detected in state 704, the process 700 moves todecision state 706, wherein it is determined if the item 100 is overduefor delivery. As noted above, the central hub 120 has access toinformation for the item 100, including intended delivery destination,class of service, intended delivery date, induction date, recipient,dimensions and weight, special handling considerations (for example,temperature requirements, signature requirements, fragile designation,in person delivery, etc.), and other item information. When the centralhub 120 receives a signal indicative of the beacon 110, the central hub120 accesses the item information for the item 100 with which the beacon110 is associated. Using the item information, the central hub 120 canidentify that the item 100 is behind schedule or is likely to bedelivered late.

If the item is likely to be delivered late, or is behind schedule,misrouted (according to an item routing plan identifying an intendedroute through the distribution network), or otherwise delayed, theprocess 700 moves to step 708, wherein an alert is generated. Thecontrol hub can generate an alert and send an automatic notification toa mobile computing device 130, to a carrier, to a facility worker, orother individual. The alert can instruct the carrier, facility worker,or other individual to search for the particular item 100 and takeadditional steps to ensure the item 100 is delivered on time. This caninclude giving the item 100 priority over other items, instructing avehicle (or vehicle operator) to hold a vehicle so the item 100 can beadded to the vehicle. The alert can also provide a notification to asender and/or a recipient of the item 100 indicating that the item isbehind schedule, or that there is a delay. The communication can alsoinclude an offer for a reduced shipping rate, a refund, or other action.The alert can also provide instructions to mail processing equipment toautomatically take action to reroute the item 100 having the beacon 110thereon.

Generating an alert can also send a communication to the beacon 110 toactivate an indicator, such as an audible, visual, or vibrationalindicator. Generating an alert can activate a finding application on acomputing device of an individual working in the delivery facility,which will direct the worker to the beacon 100, as described elsewhereherein.

If in state 706 the item is not determined to be overdue, the process700 moves to decision state 710, wherein it is determined if the item100 is scheduled to be on a vehicle. The central hub 120 can determinefrom the item information, which can include a sorting or routing planfor the item 100, whether the detected beacon 110 is supposed to be on avehicle for transport to the next location in the routing plan, forexample, a regional post office, a local post office, or the finaldestination.

If the item 110 is scheduled to be on a vehicle, the process moves todecision state 712, wherein it is determined whether the item is on avehicle. The vehicle has one or more sensors 140 thereon that can detecta signal from the beacon 110. Using the sensors 140 on the vehicle, thecentral hub 120 can determine whether the detected beacon 110 is on thevehicle. The central hub 120 knows which sensors have detected thebeacon 110, and, where the range of the beacon 110 is limited, thecentral hub 120 can triangulate a location of the beacon 110.

In some embodiments, the initial detection of the beacon 110 in decisionstate 704 can be made by a sensor 140 on a vehicle. The central hub 120can also know the position of each vehicle, using GPS or other locationawareness information on the vehicles. If the central hub 120 receives asignal from a sensor 140 that detects the beacon 110 on the vehicle, andif the vehicle is not at a distribution facility, the central hub 120can determine that the item 100 is on a vehicle without the need todetermine whether the item is scheduled to be on a vehicle. In someembodiments, if the beacon 110 is detected on a vehicle, and the centralhub 120 determines that the item 100 should not be on the vehicle, thencentral hub 120 can generate an alert as described elsewhere herein.

If it is determined in state 712 that the item is not on a vehicle, butis scheduled to be on a vehicle, the process 700 moves to block 714,wherein an alert is generated. Generating an alert in block 714 can besimilar to that described with regard to block 708, and is designed tocause location of the item and loading the item 100 onto the vehicle. Ifthe vehicle has not yet left the distribution facility, generating analert can hold the vehicle until the item is loaded onto the vehicle.

If it is determined in state 712 that the item 100 is on the vehicle, asscheduled, the process 700 moves to decision state wherein it isdetermined whether the item has been delivered. This can involve thepassage of sufficient time for the item 100 to work its way through thesystem toward final delivery. In some embodiments, this portion of theprocess can involve waiting until the next detection of the beacon 110,or until the item 100 is scanned by a mobile computing device 130.

Returning to decision state 710, if the item is not scheduled to be on avehicle, the process 700 moves to decision state 716, wherein it isdetermined whether the item 110 has been delivered to its finaldestination. The central hub 120 can determine whether the item 100 hasbeen delivered to its final destination based on scan data received frommobile computing devices 130. In some embodiments, the mobile computingdevices 130 can detect and communicate with the beacon 110. For example,the mobile computing device 130 can receive a signal from a beacon 110that is with a carrier or vehicle for delivery. The mobile computingdevice 130 sends its location information (such as via GPS) to thecentral hub 120 via the network 150. The mobile computing device alsosends the signals indicative of the beacon 110 through the network 150.These signals can be sent periodically or continuously. The central hub120 knows which mobile computing device 130 is assigned to the deliveryresource delivering the item 100 having the beacon 110 thereon. Thus thecentral hub 120 can listen for the status of a particular beacon 110from a particular mobile computing device 130.

As the GPS coordinates of the mobile computing device 130 reach theaddress or intended destination, or fall within a geofence correspondingto the intended destination, the central hub 120 can determine that theitem 100 having the beacon 110 thereon was delivered. In someembodiments, the central hub 120 receives subsequent signals from themobile computing device 130 confirming that the beacon 110 is no longerdetected by the mobile computing device 130, indicating the mobilecomputing device 130 is no longer within range of the beacon 110. Thecentral hub 120 can use this information, and the GPS locationinformation to determine whether the item 100 has been delivered.

If the item 100 is determined to be delivered the process 700 moves toblock 720, wherein the item 100 status is updated to “delivered”. If theitem is not determined to be delivered, the process moves to step 718,wherein an alert is generated. Generating an alert in step 718 can besimilar to that described with regard to step 714 and 708.

The process 700 then moves to step 722, where process 700 ends. Theprocess 700 is exemplary, and any one of the decision states or stepscan be omitted without departing from the scope of the invention. Forexample, in some embodiments, the process 700 can proceed withoutdetermining whether an item was overdue, without determining whether anitem was scheduled to be on a vehicle, without determining whether theitem is on a vehicle, or whether the item has been delivered. Thus,process 700 can be performed with any combination of decision states andsteps shown in FIG. 7.

The technology is operational with numerous other general purpose orspecial purpose computing system environments or configurations.Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/orconfigurations that may be suitable for use with the invention include,but are not limited to, personal computers, server computers, hand-heldor laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems,programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframecomputers, distributed computing environments that include any of theabove systems or devices, and the like.

The present disclosure refers to processor-implemented steps forprocessing information in the system. Instructions can be implemented insoftware, firmware or hardware and include any type of programmed stepundertaken by components of the system.

The one or more processors may be implemented with any combination ofgeneral-purpose microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signalprocessors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmablelogic devices (PLDs), controllers, state machines, gated logic, discretehardware components, dedicated hardware finite state machines, or anyother suitable entities that may perform calculations or othermanipulations of information. The central hub 120 may comprise aprocessor such as, for example, a microprocessor, such as a Pentium®processor, a Pentium® Pro processor, a 8051 processor, a MIPS®processor, a Power PC® processor, an Alpha® processor, amicrocontroller, an Intel CORE i7®, j5®, or i3® processor, an AMDPhenom®, Aseries®, or FX® processor, or the like. The processor 111typically has conventional address lines, conventional data lines, andone or more conventional control lines.

The system may be used in connection with various operating systems suchas Linux®, UNIX®, MacOS®, or Microsoft Windows®.

The system control may be written in any conventional programminglanguage such as C, C++, BASIC, Pascal, or Java, and ran under aconventional operating system. C, C++, BASIC, Pascal, Java, and FORTRANare industry standard programming languages for which many commercialcompilers can be used to create executable code. The system control mayalso be written using interpreted languages such as Perl, Python orRuby.

Those of skill will further recognize that the various illustrativelogical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described inconnection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented aselectronic hardware, software stored on a computer readable medium andexecutable by a processor, or combinations of both. To clearlyillustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, variousillustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have beendescribed above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether suchfunctionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon theparticular application and design constraints imposed on the overallsystem. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality invarying ways for each particular application, but such embodimentdecisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from thescope of the present invention.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits describedin connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implementedor performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signalprocessor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), afield programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or anycombination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein.A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in thealternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also beimplemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combinationof a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one ormore microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration.

If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on ortransmitted over as one or more instructions or code on acomputer-readable medium. The steps of a method or algorithm disclosedherein may be implemented in a processor-executable software modulewhich may reside on a computer-readable medium. Memory Computer-readablemedia includes both computer storage media and communication mediaincluding any medium that can be enabled to transfer a computer programfrom one place to another. A storage media may be any available mediathat may be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and notlimitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM,CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or othermagnetic storage devices, or any other medium that may be used to storedesired program code in the form of instructions or data structures andthat may be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection can be properlytermed a computer-readable medium. Disk and disc, as used herein,includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatiledisc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproducedata magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media. Additionally, the operations of a method oralgorithm may reside as one or any combination or set of codes andinstructions on a machine readable medium and computer-readable medium,which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the systems,devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however,that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems,devices, and methods can be practiced in many ways. As is also statedabove, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology whendescribing certain features or aspects of the invention should not betaken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to berestricted to including any specific characteristics of the features oraspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and changes may be made without departing from the scopeof the described technology. Such modifications and changes are intendedto fall within the scope of the embodiments. It will also be appreciatedby those of skill in the art that parts included in one embodiment areinterchangeable with other embodiments; one or more parts from adepicted embodiment can be included with other depicted embodiments inany combination. For example, any of the various components describedherein and/or depicted in the Figures may be combined, interchanged orexcluded from other embodiments.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such anintent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence ofsuch recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “atleast one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use ofdefinite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, evenif a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitlyrecited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitationshould typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number(e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or morerecitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in generalsuch a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one ofA, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where aconvention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, ingeneral such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill inthe art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at leastone of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that haveA alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be furtherunderstood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive wordand/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in thedescription, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplatethe possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood toinclude the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety. To the extent publications and patents or patentapplications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosurecontained in the specification, the specification is intended tosupersede and/or take precedence over any such contradictory material.

The term “comprising” as used herein is synonymous with “including,”“containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended anddoes not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

The above description discloses several methods and materials of thepresent invention. This invention is susceptible to modifications in themethods and materials, as well as alterations in the fabrication methodsand equipment. Such modifications will become apparent to those skilledin the art from a consideration of this disclosure or practice of theinvention disclosed herein. Consequently, it is not intended that thisinvention be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, butthat it cover all modifications and alternatives coming within the truescope and spirit of the invention as embodied in the attached claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of locating a distribution itemcomprising: receiving, in a user interface, an indication of a delay orfailure to deliver an item, the item having a beacon thereon, the beaconcomprising a power source and a sensor unit, the beacon beingactivatable when a first physical contact operation is performed on theitem to allow the power source to supply power to the sensor unit andthe beacon being deactivatable when a second physical contact operationis performed on the item to prevent the power source from supplyingpower to the sensor unit; communicating the indication to a centralserver; activating a plurality of sensors in a distribution network inresponse to the indication, the plurality of sensors comprising at leasta first sensor located within a distribution facility of thedistribution network and a second sensor located within a vehicle orfacility of the distribution network remote from the distributionfacility, each of the plurality of sensors configured to detect thebeacon; receiving a signal from the beacon on the item in at least oneof the plurality of sensors in the distribution network; determining thelocation of the item within the distribution network based on thereceived signal from the beacon on the item; comparing the determinedlocation of the item to stored item routing information for the item;and generating an alert based at least in part on the determinedlocation of the item and the item routing information.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising sending, via the plurality of sensors, aninterrogation signal recognizable by the beacon.
 3. The method of claim2, wherein the interrogation signal is configured to cause the beacon toemit a signal.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the beacon emits aradio frequency signal in response to the interrogation signal.
 5. Themethod of claim 3, wherein the beacon emits an audible signal inresponse to the interrogation signal.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising determining a unique identifier for the beacon based on theindication.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising causing thebeacon to emit a signal recognizable to a portable computing device incommunication with the central server and providing a visual indicationof the location of the of the item within the distribution facility. 8.The method of claim 1, further comprising providing, via the userinterface, location information.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein theitem information comprises a sorting or routing plan for the item. 10.The method of claim 9, wherein the comparing comprises determining ifthe item is scheduled to be on a particular vehicle.
 11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the comparing further comprises determining that theitem is scheduled to be on a particular vehicle and is not on theparticular vehicle, the alert comprising an instruction to an operatorof the particular vehicle.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein thecomparing further comprises determining that the item is on a particularvehicle and is not scheduled to be on the particular vehicle, the alertcomprising an instruction to an operator of the particular vehicle. 13.The method of claim 1, wherein the comparing comprises querying an itemrouting database to obtain the stored item routing information.
 14. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the alert comprises a notification to asender or an intended recipient of the item.
 15. A system for locatingan item comprising: means for receiving an indication of a delay orfailure to deliver an item, the item having a beacon thereon, whereinthe beacon comprises a power source and a sensor unit, the beacon beingactivatable when a first physical contact operation is performed on theitem to allow the power source to supply power to the sensor unit andthe beacon being deactivatable when a second physical contact operationis performed on the item to prevent the power source from supplyingpower to the sensor unit; means for communicating the indication to acentral server; means for activating a plurality of sensors in adistribution network in response to the indication, the plurality ofsensors comprising at least a first sensor located within a distributionfacility of the distribution network and a second sensor located withina vehicle or facility of the distribution network remote from thedistribution facility, each of the plurality of sensors configured todetect the beacon; means for receiving a signal from the beacon on theitem in the distribution network; means for determining the location ofthe item within the distribution network based on the received signalfrom the beacon on the item; means for comparing the determined locationof the item to stored item routing information for the item; and meansfor generating an alert based at least in part on the determinedlocation of the item and the item routing information.
 16. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the item routing information comprises an intendeddelivery date of the item, and wherein the comparing comprisesdetermining if the item is behind schedule.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein the alert causes the item to be rerouted.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the alert comprises an instruction transmitted to itemprocessing equipment.